Speech #910032519

There plainly was such a basis to support � 4(e) in the application in question in this case. Any contrary conclusion would require us to be blind to the realities familiar to the legislators." The result is no different if we confine our inquiry to the question whether � 4(e) was merely legislation aimed at the elimination of an invidious discrimination in establishing voter qualifications. We are told that New Yorks English literacy requirement originated in the desire to provide an incentive for nonEnglish speaking immigrants to learn the English language and in order to assure the intelligent exercise of the franchise. Yet Congress might well have questioned. in light of the many exemptions provided.13 and some evidence suggesting that prejudice played a prominent role in the enactment of the requirement.14 whether these were actually the interests being served. Congress might have also questioned whether denial of a right deemed so precious and fundamental in our society was a necessary or appropriate means of encouraging persons to learn English. or of furthering the goal of an intelligent exercise of the franchise.5 Finally.